The lot features this circa 1880’s Plains Indian stone war club skullcracker from the ex-Cowboy Connection Trading Post Livingston, Montana; Manitou Gallery March in Montana and Gary Jacobson collections. The skull cracker is comprised of a split wood haft which wraps around the polished carved stone skull cracker head that as further adorned with Indian tanned fur on hide, the wooden haft handle is wrapped in sinew sewn thick Buffalo Bison Indian tanned hide with hide fringes at the head and bottom. There is an old repair with a wrap of trade thread at the head. Provenance: from the ex-Jerry and Vangie Lee Collection, The Cowboy Connection Trading Post Livingston, Montana; from the ex-Gary Jacobson Collection; Manitou Gallery March in Montana auction. A stone skull cracker (also known as a skull crusher) is a traditional Native American war club used primarily by Northern Plains, Plains and Southern Plains tribes. They were frequently used to "count coup," a feat of bravery where a warrior touched an enemy in battle without necessarily killing them. Large examples were used on horse back during warfare. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many "skull crackers" were produced specifically for ceremonial dances as "dance wands". The skullcracker club is amazingly well preserved condition overall, sinew stitching is intact and secure. Stone head is 3.25" circumference, overall 21.5"L, collective weight is 1lb.